Why SocGen and UBS contain the most talented traders

The definition of aptitude on trading desks has changed. As risk-weighted assets are slashed and risk-taking squashed, the most talented traders are no longer the ones who can make the most money. They're the ones who can make the most money within the new risk parameters. And where do these traders lurk? Not Goldman Sachs.

Research from markets information company suggests the best traders in today's world are instead found at the likes of SocGen and UBS. As the charts below show, SocGen's traders are the most efficient in terms of operating revenues vs. trading Value at Risk (VaR). UBS's traders are the most efficient in terms of operating revenues vs. risk-weighted assets. Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan's traders don't do too badly either. Away from commodities, Goldman Sachs' traders don't look too talented in the new world order.

The top three banks by product for trading revenues vs. trading VaR

The top three banks by product for trading revenues vs. risk-weighted assets